In “Among the Multitudes,” Wisława Szymborska reflects on the importance of simply being one’s self even in the midst of a meditation on everything else that one could be. Let’s see how the poet does this.

The speaker begins with a simple statement of self: “I am who I am.” Then she reflects on all the ways she might have been different, if she had different ancestors or had been raised in a different family. She remarks that she did not get a choice but that she “can’t complain” either.

After all, she might have ended up in an anthill or swarm or have been raised for fur or “Christmas dinner.” She might have been a tree threatened by fire or a trampled blade of grass. She might have been born “in the wrong tribe” with no opportunities. It could have been much worse than it is.

In fact, the speaker notes, “Fate has been kind / to me thus far.” She has plenty of good memories and is content to simply be herself and to be amazed at the world. This is the most important thing.